Diarrhea Home Remedies

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramps. You also may notice abdominal pain and other flu-like signs and symptoms, such as low-grade fever, achy or cramping muscles, and headache.

The most common cause is a viral infection of the digestive tract. Bacteria and parasites also can cause diarrhea, sometimes with bloody stools and high fever. Infection-induced diarrhea can be extremely contagious. Nausea and vomiting may precede it.

Diarrhea also can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance. It can be a side effect of many medications, particularly antibiotics, or from the use of products made with artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and mannitol.

Acute diarrhea is something that nearly everyone experiences at some time, and it usually clears up within days. Chronic diarrhea generally lasts longer than four weeks and may signal a serious underlying medical problem such as chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis or certain kinds of cancer.

Diarrhea caused by infections typically clear on its own without medications. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal products, such as Imodium A-D, Pepto Bismol, and Kaopectate, may slow bowel movements, but won't speed recovery. Focus your attention on preventing dehydration and easing the symptoms of diarrhea as you recover:

• Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, clear sodas (caffeine-free), broths and weak tea
• Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
• Avoid eating dairy products, fatty foods, or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

Probiotics

Probiotics can help maintain a proper micro-organic balance in your intestinal tract. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy drinks. Probiotics supplements may help manage diarrhea, especially following treatment with antibiotics.

Diarrhea in infants

Diarrhea in infants should be closely monitored. Contact your doctor if diarrhea persists for more than 12 hours and if your child:

• Hasn't had a wet diaper in eight hours
• Has a temperature of more than 102 F
• Has bloody stools
• Has a dry mouth or cries without a tears
• Is unusually sleep, drowsy or unresponsive

Contact your doctor if diarrhea persists for more than a week, or if you become dehydrated or see traces of blood in your stool or in the toilet bowl. Also seek medical attention if you have severe abdominal or rectal pain, a temperature of more than 101 F, or signs of dehydration despite drinking fluids. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for diarrhea caused by some bacteria and parasites. However, not all bacterial diarrhea requires treatment with antibiotics, and antibiotics don't help viral diarrhea.